First, all of us at LRWA want to thanks everyone for the contributions and supportthroughout 2017. Although we may have been a bit less active than in previous years, this last year the organization focused on some administrative and structural transitions that will lead on into an even bigger and better 2018!As we enter the New Year we would like to debut our new and updated website, whichwill feature updates,news, and upcoming events.

Among our favorite accomplishments from 2017 were the completion of four very successful Stream School for our local youth. Attendance was so great that all sessions were full and we were even able to have a special day for Blount County Homeschoolers group. The Stream Schools are among our favorite events and we at LRWA hope anyone who participated enjoyed the experience as much as we did.A very special thank you goes out to everyone that donated their time and effort to make these events happen!

This year we also held a presence at the Blue Ribbon County Fair at the Great Smoky Mountains Heritage center.This was one of our first steps to reviving our role an active and informative presence within the community. In addition to providing information on the Little River and handing out free Little River Blueways maps, we also had interactive family activities and a watershed scientist on hand to answer questions. These are among a number of education and outreach activities that will continue and expand in 2018. And to top it off, we enjoyed all of the wonderful information we learned about Appalachian heritage and, of course, watching events such as the greased pig chase and cast iron skillet toss. Thank you Blue Ribbon County Fair for the fun!

In terms of fundraising in 2017, we would like to send a very special thank you to the Little River Trading Company who hosted a ‘Pints for a Purpose’ for LRWA. The event was a hit and over $300from raffles sales was raised to support the LRWA’s efforts. We also thank all who came out that night and we hope some of you went home with some awesome prizes. We are looking forward to having another LRWA Pints for a Purpose night in 2018 and will announce the official date soon!

Now, with 2017 behind us, we are making the big plans for 2018! A full calendar of events for 2018 will be posted on the website by February, but in the meantime here are a few highlights of what’s coming up. First, LRWA is planning a Spring River Clean Up event to celebrate the Earth Day weekend. We be increasing our outreach efforts this year so look for a LRWA booth more local festivals and Farmers Markets. Come by, say hi, check out our new shirts and swag, and play some fun gameswith the kiddos! Of course, 2018 wouldn’t be complete without the return of Stream School in the Summer. So watch for the first announcementsand sign up period in the Spring because it always fills up fast! And last but not least, we are planning abig fun filled event with Conservation FisheriesInc. in late July. This event will be a day of paddling, music, food and FUN! But even more it will be a great opportunity to get out, enjoy, and support the Little River we adore so much. Details coming in the Spring! As you can see, 2018 is shaping up to be a great year filled with lots of fun and activities.

With that, we appreciate all of the support for the Little River Watershed Association during the past year and we are looking forward to having a bigger and better 2018!